World seems ready to work with Shehbaz govt despite controversial polls

China was first one to congratulate Shehbaz in separate messages by its president and prime minister

ISLAMABAD:

Despite questions over the legitimacy of the February 8 elections, the world seems to be ready to work with the new government as messages of felicitations started pouring in the moment Shehbaz Sharif was elected as prime minister.

China was the first one to congratulate Shehbaz on his victory in separate messages by its president and prime minister. President Xi Jinping in his message expressed confidence that under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan would be able to make new and greater achievements in the cause of national development and progress, according to the state-run Radio Pakistan.

He stressed that China and Pakistan would continue their traditional friendship and cooperation in various fields. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also sent a congratulatory message to the newly-elected PM.

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The Iranian President also took no time in extending the message of felicitation to PM Shehbaz. “His Excellency Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, the honourable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, congratulated H.E. Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif on his election as the new Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” an official statement said.

In his message, President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi expressed his confidence that the two countries, in the light of the deep historical and cultural links, will work harder to strengthen and expand cooperation to achieve the desired and befitting level of relations between the two great nations of Iran and Pakistan.

The Iranian president stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran was fully prepared to strengthen and deepen all aspects of bilateral relations with the brotherly and neighbouring country of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan within the framework of its constant policy.

Read also: PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif elected prime minister for second time

He expressed hope that the new government of Pakistan will take steps towards the growth and prosperity of Pakistan and prayed to Almighty God for the success of the new government and the happiness and well-being of the honourable nation of Pakistan.

Diplomatic sources said many Western countries including the US and others would soon follow suit. The day the prime minister is set to take the oath of his office, an EU delegation will arrive in Pakistan for the political dialogue.

The EU-PAKISTAN dialogue will take place on March 6, the first engagement between the new government and the 27-nation bloc.

There have been questions marks about whether the international community, particularly the Western countries, would be willing to work with the new government after the controversial elections.

Around three dozen US Congressmen wrote a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him not to recognise the new government until allegations into the ballot fraud are investigated.

Observers, however, believe that the Biden administration is unlikely to pay heed to the call.